Get Ready http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady Prepare. Plan. Stay informed. Tue, 15 May 2012 19:51:49 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Get Ready is the official podcast of Ready Georgia, a public service campaign to motivate Georgians to prepare for a disaster. Podcast episodes feature tips on emergency preparedness, natural disasters and more. Whether you\'re preparing for yourself, your pet, your children or a senior parent, Get Ready and Ready Georgia provides helpful information to make sure you can survive on your own for up to 72 hours following an emergency. Prepare. Plan. Stay informed. Georgia Emergency Management Agency http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ReadyGA_logo_Facebook_reg.jpgGet Readyhttp://ready.ga.gov/GetReady emergency, preparedness, disaster, ready, weather, families, Georgia, plan, prepare no Tracy Paden tracy@cookerly.com Older and Wiser: Seniors Prepare for Emergencies http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=664 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=664#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 19:51:16 +0000 JHogan http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=664

May is Older Americans Month – a great time for older adults and caregivers to think about preparing for a disaster. Most older Georgians are able to age in place in their homes and communities due to increased support from organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging. Many are in good health, but some may have slower reflexes, hearing or vision loss, or difficulty walking. Whatever the circumstance, older adults can take responsibility now to prepare for their specific needs during a disaster. By taking a few simple steps, older adults can be ready for the unexpected.

Prepare a  kit. Basic supplies will allow you to survive on your own for up to 72 hours following a disaster. Customize your kit by including items specific to your needs:

  • Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Dehydration is a serious health problem for older adults. Use small containers with easily removable caps.
  • Have a three-day supply of nonperishable food, with consideration given to your special dietary needs.
  • Talk to your doctor about prescribing an extra month of medication so you can keep the medication in your kit. Rotate the medication out monthly to avoid expiration.
  • Include nonprescription medications that you use daily.
  • Include a personal medical history.
  • Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries in your kit.
  • If you use an electrical device (i.e., a wheelchair), have a manual device or extra batteries on hand.
  • Have an emergency contact person who lives in a different geographic area. Give that person a list of names, phone numbers and email addresses of people who should be contacted; provide your support network with your out-of-area contact information as well.
  • Put copies of your important papers in a waterproof container. These should include insurance policies, bank account and credit card information, Medicare and/or Medicaid cards, Living Will and Power of Attorney documents.

Make a plan. Your plan should include how to safely shelter in place, as well as a way to evacuate if the need arises. It should also include information on how to meet your medical or prescription needs if the resources you use regularly become limited or unavailable. If you rely upon services such as a home health nurse or aide, create an alternative plan to get the help you need if these services are disrupted. Create a support network of trusted neighbors, family and friends. Communicate your plan and your needs with this network so they can be ready to assist during a disaster.

Stay informed. One of the best ways to stay informed about disasters in your community is through a battery-powered weather radio. Adaptive devices for individuals who would benefit from visual or other sensory alerts can be added to the radios to ensure that everyone will receive notification of the emergency alert.

For more information on staying informed, creating a plan, or creating a disaster kit specifically for an older adult or a person with a disability, visit www.ready.ga.gov. For information on aging services available in your area, call 1-866-55-Aging. To schedule a Ready Georgia presentation at a senior citizens home, contact your local emergency management agency or the Ready Georgia campaign.

Photo Credit: Light House Faith

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=664 0 May is Older Americans Month – a great time for older adults and caregivers to think about preparing for a disaster. Most older Georgians are able to age in place in their homes and communities due to increased support from organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging. Many are in good health, but some may have slower reflexes, hearing or vision loss, or difficulty walking. Whatever the circumstance, older adults can take responsibility now to prepare for their specific needs during a disaster. By taking a few simple steps, older adults can be ready for the unexpected. Prepare a  kit. Basic supplies will allow you to survive on your own for up to 72 hours following a disaster. Customize your kit by including items specific to your needs: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Dehydration is a serious health problem for older adults. Use small containers with easily removable caps. Have a three-day supply of nonperishable food, with consideration given to your special dietary needs. Talk to your doctor about prescribing an extra month of medication so you can keep the medication in your kit. Rotate the medication out monthly to avoid expiration. Include nonprescription medications that you use daily. Include a personal medical history. Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries in your kit. If you use an electrical device (i.e., a wheelchair), have a manual device or extra batteries on hand. Have an emergency contact person who lives in a different geographic area. Give that person a list of names, phone numbers and email addresses of people who should be contacted; provide your support network with your out-of-area contact information as well. Put copies of your important papers in a waterproof container. These should include insurance policies, bank account and credit card information, Medicare and/or Medicaid cards, Living Will and Power of Attorney documents. Make a plan. Your plan should include how to safely shelter in place, as well as a way to evacuate if the need arises. It should also include information on how to meet your medical or prescription needs if the resources you use regularly become limited or unavailable. If you rely upon services such as a home health nurse or aide, create an alternative plan to get the help you need if these services are disrupted. Create a support network of trusted neighbors, family and friends. Communicate your plan and your needs with this network so they can be ready to assist during a disaster. Stay informed. One of the best ways to stay informed about disasters in your community is through a battery-powered weather radio. Adaptive devices for individuals who would benefit from visual or other sensory alerts can be added to the radios to ensure that everyone will receive notification of the emergency alert. For more information on staying informed, creating a plan, or creating a disaster kit specifically for an older adult or a person with a disability, visit www.ready.ga.gov. For information on aging services available in your area, call 1-866-55-Aging. To schedule a Ready Georgia presentation at a senior citizens home, contact your local emergency management agency or the Ready Georgia campaign. Photo Credit: Light House Faith May is Older Americans Month – a great time for older adults and caregivers to think about preparing for a disaster. Most older Georgians are able to age in place in their homes and communities due to increased support from organizations such as [...] Spring Kicks Into Gear…Preparedness Should Too http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=622 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=622#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:54:45 +0000 Charley English http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=622 Spring is in the air! In this episode, WRBL’s Chief Meteorologist Bob Jeswald shares tips to help you prepare for various types of weather that you can expect to see this season. He also discusses the importance of planning before an emergency and ways to stay informed to protect your family in the midst of a disaster so that you and your family will know how to respond.

To learn more about emergency preparedness:

  • Tune in for preparation tips to help yourself and loved ones
  • Visit our Stay Informed page for detailed information about specific weather-related emergencies
  • Download our mobile app for preparedness info on the go.

A transcript of the podcast can be found here.

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=622 1 Spring is in the air! In this episode, WRBL’s Chief Meteorologist Bob Jeswald shares tips to help you prepare for various types of weather that you can expect to see this season. He also discusses the importance of planning before an emergency and ways to stay informed to protect your family in the midst of a disaster so that you and your family will know how to respond. To learn more about emergency preparedness: Tune in for preparation tips to help yourself and loved ones Visit our Stay Informed page for detailed information about specific weather-related emergencies Download our mobile app for preparedness info on the go. A transcript of the podcast can be found here. Spring is in the air! In this episode, WRBL’s Chief Meteorologist Bob Jeswald shares tips to help you prepare for various types of weather that you can expect to see this season. He also discusses the importance of planning before an emergency [...] It’s National Family Caregivers Month! Help Special Needs and Elderly Loved Ones Prepare. http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=530 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=530#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:37:15 +0000 Charley English http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=530 In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, Ready Georgia honors caregivers across the nation for providing support to their elderly or special needs loved ones. Moreover, the preparedness campaign wants to remind Georgians that caring for loved ones also means contributing to their well-being by helping them prepare for emergencies.

In this episode, Laura George, a caregiver to her husband, shares insight on helping to get elderly and special needs loves one ready for emergencies. To learn more about emergency preparedness for family members with unique needs, tune in for preparation tips on how to help your family and friends who are in need of care.

A transcript of this podcast can be found here.

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=530 0 In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, Ready Georgia honors caregivers across the nation for providing support to their elderly or special needs loved ones. Moreover, the preparedness campaign wants to remind Georgians that caring for loved ones also means contributing to their well-being by helping them prepare for emergencies. In this episode, Laura George, a caregiver to her husband, shares insight on helping to get elderly and special needs loves one ready for emergencies. To learn more about emergency preparedness for family members with unique needs, tune in for preparation tips on how to help your family and friends who are in need of care. A transcript of this podcast can be found here. In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, Ready Georgia honors caregivers across the nation for providing support to their elderly or special needs loved ones. Moreover, the preparedness campaign wants to remind Georgians that caring for [...] 6:04 Enhancing Preparedness in the Hispanic Community http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=497 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=497#comments Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:56:02 +0000 Charley English http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=497 In this episode, Ready Georgia recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month by providing tips and resources to help enhance the level of preparedness in the Hispanic community. Robert Garcia of the National Weather Service also shares his own insight to assist Hispanic residents getting ready for the unexpected.

To learn more ways to prepare the Hispanic community, take a look at our guest blog post featuring WRDW’s Amanda Perez. In the meantime, tune in to discover ways to be your own first responder in case of an emergency.

A transcript of the podcast can be found here.

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=497 1 In this episode, Ready Georgia recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month by providing tips and resources to help enhance the level of preparedness in the Hispanic community. Robert Garcia of the National Weather Service also shares his own insight to assist Hispanic residents getting ready for the unexpected. To learn more ways to prepare the Hispanic community, take a look at our guest blog post featuring WRDW’s Amanda Perez. In the meantime, tune in to discover ways to be your own first responder in case of an emergency. A transcript of the podcast can be found here. In this episode, Ready Georgia recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month by providing tips and resources to help enhance the level of preparedness in the Hispanic community. Robert Garcia of the National Weather Service also shares his own insight to [...] 5:43 Today Marks the Start of National Preparedness Month http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=442 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=442#comments Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:30:17 +0000 Ready Georgia http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=442 This September marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As a result of that tragedy, the national Ready campaign  was created to educate citizens about the importance of emergency preparedness. A few years later, that campaign was taken to the state level, and campaigns like Ready Georgia began nationwide. This September is also the eighth observance of National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, businesses and communities.

In this podcast, Charley English, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security, will join us to talk about National Preparedness Month in September, as well as how individuals, communities and businesses can get prepared. Ready Georgia has a wealth of tools, tips and even kids’ activities to help every family get prepared during National Preparedness Month in September. To learn more, tune into this podcast edition.

A transcript of the podcast can be found here.

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=442 1 This September marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As a result of that tragedy, the national Ready campaign  was created to educate citizens about the importance of emergency preparedness. A few years later, that campaign was taken to the state level, and campaigns like Ready Georgia began nationwide. This September is also the eighth observance of National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, businesses and communities. In this podcast, Charley English, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security, will join us to talk about National Preparedness Month in September, as well as how individuals, communities and businesses can get prepared. Ready Georgia has a wealth of tools, tips and even kids’ activities to help every family get prepared during National Preparedness Month in September. To learn more, tune into this podcast edition. A transcript of the podcast can be found here. This September marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As a result of that tragedy, the national Ready campaign  was created to educate citizens about the importance of emergency preparedness. A few years later, that campaign was taken to [...] Ask Yourself These Three Questions http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=417 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=417#comments Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:57:21 +0000 Ready Georgia http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=417 In this episode, Ready Georgia provides tips to help you complete the second step to emergency preparedness – plan. After creating a Ready kit, it’s essential for you to make a family communications plan so that you and your family will know how to respond when the unexpected occurs. To create this plan, you’ll need to answer three important questions:

  1. What are your risks?
  2. Where will you go?
  3. How will you get in touch?

Tune in to learn how to answer each of these questions, then take advantage of Ready Georgia’s customizable tool to walk you through the planning process.

A transcript of the podcast can be found here.

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=417 1 In this episode, Ready Georgia provides tips to help you complete the second step to emergency preparedness – plan. After creating a Ready kit, it’s essential for you to make a family communications plan so that you and your family will know how to respond when the unexpected occurs. To create this plan, you’ll need to answer three important questions: What are your risks? Where will you go? How will you get in touch? Tune in to learn how to answer each of these questions, then take advantage of Ready Georgia’s customizable tool to walk you through the planning process. A transcript of the podcast can be found here. In this episode, Ready Georgia provides tips to help you complete the second step to emergency preparedness – plan. After creating a Ready kit, it’s essential for you to make a family communications plan so that you and your family will know [...] Preparing for Winter Weather http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=208 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=208#comments Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:14:51 +0000 CWarrilow http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=208 In this episode, our guest Chrissy Warrilow, meteorologist at Georgia Public Broadcasting, forecasts winter weather and shares tips on how to prepare for potential threats.

Winter storms are most likely to occur January through March with the highest risk in February. The farther north in the state and the higher the elevation, the more likely it will be cold enough for frozen or freezing precipitation to fall and cause problems.  But, wherever you live in Georgia, it’s likely that you’ll encounter some form of severe weather so it’s critical that you take the necessary steps to prepare. Tune in to learn:

  • what emergency supplies you’ll need to prepare for the unexpected this season
  • how to protect yourself and your loved ones by developing a customized plan
  • about the tools and resources that will help you stay informed about threats in your area
A transcript of the podcast can be found here.

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=208 6 In this episode, our guest Chrissy Warrilow, meteorologist at Georgia Public Broadcasting, forecasts winter weather and shares tips on how to prepare for potential threats. Winter storms are most likely to occur January through March with the highest risk in February. The farther north in the state and the higher the elevation, the more likely it will be cold enough for frozen or freezing precipitation to fall and cause problems.  But, wherever you live in Georgia, it’s likely that you’ll encounter some form of severe weather so it’s critical that you take the necessary steps to prepare. Tune in to learn: what emergency supplies you’ll need to prepare for the unexpected this season how to protect yourself and your loved ones by developing a customized plan about the tools and resources that will help you stay informed about threats in your area A transcript of the podcast can be found here. In this episode, our guest Chrissy Warrilow, meteorologist at Georgia Public Broadcasting, forecasts winter weather and shares tips on how to prepare for potential threats. Winter storms are most likely to occur January through March with the [...] Severe Winter Weather, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Ready Georgia, Preparedness Terrorism – What is the threat in Georgia? http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=166 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=166#comments Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:35:50 +0000 Charley English http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=166 Terrorism. It’s a scary word. Terrorist acts are designed to catch people off guard, wreaking physical destruction as well as psychological distress. Is it possible to be prepared?

Not only can we be prepared for terrorism, but we must. In the latest Ready Georgia podcast, Gary Kelley, deputy director of homeland security for Georgia, provides insight on the types of attacks most likely to strike our state and on the role each of us can play in preventing terrorism.

To help you stay informed about all types of emergencies, Ready Georgia is giving away a NOAA weather radio to one podcast listener.

• PRIZE: Midland NOAA weather radio
• TO ENTER: Listen to the podcast and comment on this post with your answer to the question, “What have you done (or will you do) to get ready for emergencies?”
• GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, October 8 at Noon (Eastern)
• NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
• PRIZE SHIPS: State of Georgia only
• RULES: Open to Georgia residents only. One entry per e-mail address is permitted. The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Friday.

A transcript of the podcast can be found here.

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=166 14 Terrorism. It’s a scary word. Terrorist acts are designed to catch people off guard, wreaking physical destruction as well as psychological distress. Is it possible to be prepared? Not only can we be prepared for terrorism, but we must. In the latest Ready Georgia podcast, Gary Kelley, deputy director of homeland security for Georgia, provides insight on the types of attacks most likely to strike our state and on the role each of us can play in preventing terrorism. To help you stay informed about all types of emergencies, Ready Georgia is giving away a NOAA weather radio to one podcast listener. • PRIZE: Midland NOAA weather radio • TO ENTER: Listen to the podcast and comment on this post with your answer to the question, “What have you done (or will you do) to get ready for emergencies?” • GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, October 8 at Noon (Eastern) • NUMBER OF WINNERS: One • PRIZE SHIPS: State of Georgia only • RULES: Open to Georgia residents only. One entry per e-mail address is permitted. The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Friday. A transcript of the podcast can be found here. Terrorism. It’s a scary word. Terrorist acts are designed to catch people off guard, wreaking physical destruction as well as psychological distress. Is it possible to be prepared? Not only can we be prepared for terrorism, but we must. In the [...] Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=111 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=111#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:33:50 +0000 Charley English http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=111 In this episode of the Ready Georgia podcast, psychologist Dr. Angela Londoño-McConnell addresses the best ways to approach emergency preparedness for children. She provides practical tips on creative ways to involve kids in getting prepared and addresses parents’ role in making their children feel safe and secure.

We all understand that speaking with children about disaster-related topics can be difficult; however, it is important that these discussions take place to ensure safety in the event of an emergency. Here are a few non-threatening ways to get your kids ready:

  • Visit our  kids’ page to find important information on preparedness; in addition to games, videos and more
  • Conduct scavenger hunts for items you may need in an emergency or Ready kit such as a flashlight, batteries, canned food, water, medicines and pet food, if necessary
  • Design creative artwork to decorate your Ready kit
  • Encourage children to prepare a skit of how your family should respond to an emergency

Tune in to discover additional ways to interact with your kids about emergency preparedness.

A transcript of this podcast can be found here. 

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=111 5 In this episode of the Ready Georgia podcast, psychologist Dr. Angela Londoño-McConnell addresses the best ways to approach emergency preparedness for children. She provides practical tips on creative ways to involve kids in getting prepared and addresses parents’ role in making their children feel safe and secure. We all understand that speaking with children about disaster-related topics can be difficult; however, it is important that these discussions take place to ensure safety in the event of an emergency. Here are a few non-threatening ways to get your kids ready: Visit our  kids’ page to find important information on preparedness; in addition to games, videos and more Conduct scavenger hunts for items you may need in an emergency or Ready kit such as a flashlight, batteries, canned food, water, medicines and pet food, if necessary Design creative artwork to decorate your Ready kit Encourage children to prepare a skit of how your family should respond to an emergency Tune in to discover additional ways to interact with your kids about emergency preparedness. A transcript of this podcast can be found here.  In this episode of the Ready Georgia podcast, psychologist Dr. Angela Londoño-McConnell addresses the best ways to approach emergency preparedness for children. She provides practical tips on creative ways to involve kids in getting prepared and [...] 6:12 preparedness for kids, Ready Georgia, Ready kits, Dr. Angela London-McConnell clean Wild Weather Could Be Just Around the Corner http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=77 http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=77#comments Thu, 06 May 2010 19:45:45 +0000 Charley English http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?p=77 In the second episode of the Ready Georgia podcast, we take a look at weather-related disasters that could affect Georgia and what you can do to prepare for them. Here are a few questions this podcast will answer for you:

  • How much standing water does it take to float a car?
  • How much heat can outdoor awnings or louvers prevent from entering your home?
  • How many earthquakes did Georgia experience in 2009?

Take a listen to find out these answers and much more.

A transcript of the podcast can be found here.

Share

]]> http://ready.ga.gov/GetReady/?feed=rss2&p=77 1 In the second episode of the Ready Georgia podcast, we take a look at weather-related disasters that could affect Georgia and what you can do to prepare for them. Here are a few questions this podcast will answer for you: How much standing water does it take to float a car? How much heat can outdoor awnings or louvers prevent from entering your home? How many earthquakes did Georgia experience in 2009? Take a listen to find out these answers and much more. A transcript of the podcast can be found here. In the second episode of the Ready Georgia podcast, we take a look at weather-related disasters that could affect Georgia and what you can do to prepare for them. Here are a few questions this podcast will answer for you: How much standing water [...] Ready Georgia 5:12 weather, emergency preparedness, flood, earthquake, heat no